SmartRounds introduces non-lethal smart bullets
SmartRounds Technology announced its new 18mm non-lethal and non-impact smart bullets on 12 January.
They are micro-controlled smart bullets (patent pending) that will be launched in two versions: PepperRound and ShockRound. The ShockRound produces a flash-bang and nitrogen gas shock wave that disables the assailant. The PepperRound produces a flash-bang and a capsaicin cloud that causes a burning sensation to the eyes and throat rendering the assailant unable to continue.
Each version has a MEMS accelerometer sensor and CMOS image sensor along with a micro-controller that turns ON the round when fired and activates the round millisecs before impact. They can be fired from a standard 12 gauge shotgun at 450 feet per second and have a range of 100 yards. They are lightweight carbon fibre projectiles with low recoil, allowing them to be fired from various 12 gauge shotgun formats.
A very fast acting proprietary chemical produces the hyperbaric nitrogen gas shock wave millisecs before impact. Unlike less-lethal weapons that rely on hitting the target to deliver kinetic energy and considerable pain to disable the assailant, these projectiles do not make contact, which makes these bullets truly non-lethal.
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![How and why Europe is replenishing tube artillery in the drone warfare era]()
How and why Europe is replenishing tube artillery in the drone warfare era
Modern conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have exposed gaps in Western artillery, with European militaries increasingly looking to invest in longer-range systems with a focus on logistics and resilience.
-
![Raytheon unveils land version of the Next Generation Jammer]()
Raytheon unveils land version of the Next Generation Jammer
The ground-based NGJ is designed to work as an “invisible shield” to protect land structures and assets. Shephard spoke with Raytheon to find out more.
-
![Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare]()
Australia’s revised defence investment plan: what it means for land warfare
Australia’s 2026 National Defence Strategy and Integrated Investment Program have been adjusted from the 2024 version to promote greater military and industrial self-reliance, taking lessons learned from ongoing conflicts and looking to reinforce the industrial base.
-
![HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward]()
HIMARS rising: sales, industrial cooperation and missile tests are driving the weapon forward
Australia's milestone Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System test and a wave of fresh contracts and production ramp-ups highlight the building momentum behind long-range strike systems globally, with HIMARS leading the way.
-
![Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities]()
Japanese wheeled combat vehicles: procurement driven by operational realities
Japan’s armoured forces are currently undergoing a doctrinal shift from tracked to wheeled vehicles. This represents a major change in the country’s force structure and armoured capabilities.
